Paul Copan Apologetics Collection (6 vols.)

2001–2011

Overview

In this collection, apologist, author, theologian, and philosopher Paul Copan provides six volumes to equip Christians to be ready “to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Addressing tough questions and common misconceptions about faith and Christianity, Copan presents ways to clearly and intelligently approach nonbelieving skeptics on various issues, including the creatio ex nihilo doctrine, Old Testament ethics, and God’s portrayal in Scripture. Copan approaches faith-challenging topics from a biblical standpoint, providing wise, relevant insight to help clarify and cement the validity of the Christian faith.

The Logos Bible Software edition of the Paul Copan Collection is designed to encourage and stimulate your study and understanding of the Christian faith. Scripture passages link directly to your English translations and to the original language texts, and important apologetic concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. In addition, you can perform powerful searches by topic and find what other authors, scholars, and theologians have to say about the creatio ex nihilo doctrine, Scripture’s inerrancy, and the Old Testament’s portrayal of God.

Creation out of Nothing: A Biblical, Philosophical, and Scientific Exploration

Creation out of Nothing provides a full-fledged exploration of the creatio ex nihilo (creation out of nothing) doctrine that focuses on biblical, theological, extrabiblical, philosophical, and scientific support for the doctrine.

The volume begins with a statement about the significance of creatio ex nihilo that clearly defines what is meant (and what is not meant) by the concept. The doctrine is discussed within the context of the Old and New Testaments and extrabiblical material. The volume includes discussions of the philosophical issues of creation versus conservation and the finite versus infinite past before addressing the scientific confirmation of creatio ex nihilo.

Few classical Christian doctrines have been subjected to as much criticism in the past two hundred years as the claim that God created the world ‘out of nothing.’ In this brilliant book, Copan and Craig rehabilitate the doctrine. With wide learning—the authors pass skillfully among biblical, philosophical, theological, and scientific issues—and carefully constructed arguments, the authors clearly show that creation out of nothing can be defended against its critics. They also compellingly show why the doctrine is essential to believing Christians. I recommend this badly needed book with great enthusiasm.

Takes a look at the various approaches on [the question of ex nihilo creation] and comes away with a clear word on the matter. . . . Copan and Craig dive into one of the tough questions facing anyone trying to make sense of the world. . . . While this particular question may not arise in every conversation, this book will help with a well reasoned response when someone wonders ‘how did it all begin.’

—Creation Research Society

A well-arranged tour de force on creatio ex nihilo, the classical Christian doctrine of creation out of nothing. Resurrecting what theologians had neglected, Copan and Craig present the biblical, philosophical, and scientific support that underpin this doctrine.

—Science & Theology News

In Creation out of Nothing, Paul Copan and William Lane Craig have written an outstanding guide to this doctrine that belongs in the personal library of anyone who cares about the foundations of his or her faith. Replying to those who have argued that creation ex nihilo is not biblical and that the idea was imported late into Christian theology, Copan and Craig make a compelling case that the Bible teaches unmistakably that only God himself is eternal (eternality is an essential aspect of his nature) and all else that exists depends on God for its origin and being. . . . This book is well-written, but while the prose is lucid, the issues raised are profoundly difficult. Don’t expect to be able to read it while watching an NFL game, but do expect to be amply rewarded with a much better grasp of a foundational Christian doctrine.

—Christian Research Journal

William Lane Craig is a research professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and the author or editor of over 30 books, including Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview.

How Do You Know You’re Not Wrong: Responding to Objections That Leave Christians Speechless

If you’ve recently tried to tell your friends about Jesus, this is surely a familiar phrase. Besides being familiar, such challenges from today’s unbelievers are also frustrating. In fact, they can sometimes leave you speechless. So how do you respond?

Expert Christian apologist Paul Copan calls these objections “anti-truth claims.” And he knows they’re relevant—he’s faced them over and over in his apologetics ministry on university campuses and in coffee shops across the country. In How Do You Know You’re Not Wrong? he presents a collection of objections regarding reality, worldviews, and Christianity and thoroughly addresses each from a biblical standpoint. If you’ve ever been left lost for words when discussing matters of faith, this insightful book will give you the tools you need to confidently, lovingly, and effectively respond to colleagues, acquaintances, and friends.

Paul Copan has an amazing gift. He is able to take complex philosophical issues and make them accessible to ordinary folks without compromising accuracy or integrity. Professor Copan takes on some of the strongest challenges to Christian faith and responds to them with clarity, generosity, and laser-like logic.

Nonbelievers frequently challenge Christians with questions like, ‘How do you know that what you believe is true?,’ ‘Doesn’t science disprove faith?,’ ‘How could God make the strange commands that we find in the Old Testament?,’ ‘How can God punish me for sins committed by Adam?,’ and ‘Didn’t early Christian leaders arbitrarily exclude from the Bible texts about Jesus that they didn’t like?’ On these and other important issues, Paul Copan gives clear and illuminating answers. Despite the depth and power of his arguments, this lively and helpful book will be understandable to intelligent laypersons. I enthusiastically recommend it.

Copan addresses tough questions about faith and Christianity without sidestepping the reasoning of skeptics or issues of objectivity, truth, and reality. Appropriate for inquisitive students, skeptics, seminarians, and clergy, this is recommended for academic and large public libraries.

—Library Journal

With solid reasons why you are not wrong to believe and what makes Christianity logical, this book will give you the confidence to deal with a world in which Christians are resident aliens.

—Huntress Reviews

Is God a Moral Monster?: Making Sense of the Old Testament God

Many today—even within the church—seem to think so. How are Christians to respond to such accusations? And how are we to reconcile the seemingly disconnected natures of God portrayed in the two testaments?

In this timely and readable book, apologist Paul Copan takes on some of the most vexing accusations of our time, including:

God is arrogant and jealous

God punishes people too harshly

God is guilty of ethnic cleansing

God oppresses women

God endorses slavery

Christianity causes violence

Copan not only answers the critics, he also shows how to read both the Old and New Testaments faithfully, seeing an unchanging, righteous, and loving God in both.

This is the book I wish I had written myself. It is simply the best book I have read that tackles the many difficulties that the Old Testament presents to thinking and sensitive Christians. Paul Copan writes in such a simple, straightforward way, yet covers enormous issues comprehensively and with reassuring biblical detail and scholarly research.

The New Atheists have attacked the morality of the Old Testament with a vengeance. In honesty, many Christians will confess that they struggle with what looks like a primitive and barbaric ethic. Paul Copan helps us truly understand the world of the Old Testament and how it relates to us today. I recommend this book for all who want to make sense of the Old Testament.

Paul Copan is the nation’s leading apologist regarding problems with the biblical text, and Is God a Moral Monster? is vintage Copan. He takes on current New Atheist biblical critics and powerfully addresses virtually every criticism they have raised. I know of no other book like this one, and it should be required reading in college and seminary courses on biblical introduction.

—J.P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology

Most Christians today, myself included, are in dialogue with people we love who have been heavily swayed by the criticisms of Richard Dawkins, et al., against the morality of the Bible and its depiction of a horrific Yahweh God. What struck me in reading Is God a Moral Monster? is the degree to which we as Christians need to rethink in radical ways our reading and understanding of the sacred text if we are to have any persuasive reasoning in this ongoing exchange. Sometimes the real monster lies not so much in criticisms from ‘without’ as in our own holding to certain incorrect paradigms of thinking about the Bible. Aside from the apologetic importance of Professor Copan’s work, of far greater value for Christians is the way in which his book forces us to reevaluate the very nature of the God we worship. Read this book. It will awaken your vision of God in wonderful ways!

“It’s all relative.” “Everything is one with the divine.” “Why would a good God send people to hell?” “The Gospels contradict each other.”

In our relativistic society, Christians more than ever before are bombarded by skeptical comments such as these. You hear them on college campuses, in the workplace, and from your neighbors and friends.

That’s Just Your Interpretation provides incisive answers to challenges related to truth and reality, worldviews, and Christian doctrine. Similar to his well-received “True for You, but Not for Me,” this book by Paul Copan will help you defend your faith, even when you’re confronted with the toughest questions. You’ll be able to respond with intelligent, powerful answers that direct people toward a personal relationship with God.

Beneath the clichés of our culture lie some unsettling questions about God. Paul Copan, with genius and simplicity, uncovers the struggle and constructs his answers on a firm foundation.

—Ravi Zacharias, author and speaker

The book is accessible to non-specialists, yet Copan clearly brings to each subject careful research and scholarly reflection.

—J.P. Moreland, distinguished professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology

Paul Copan manifests the conceptual skills of a fine philosopher and theologian as well as the heart of a sincere Christian. This combination is potent indeed, illuminating a wide range of pressing issues about the Christian faith.

—Paul Moser, professor and chair of the department of philosophy, Loyola University Chicago

Paul Copan writes with clarity, force, and insight about the credibility of Christianity.

“True for You, But Not for Me”: Overcoming Objections to Christian Faith

The world is intolerant of Christian beliefs. You’ve probably heard many of the anti-Christian comebacks and conversation-enders that refute the relevance and validity of Christianity, including:

“Who are you to impose your morality on others?”

“What right do you have to convert others to your views?”

“It doesn’t matter what you believe—as long as you’re sincere.”

“You can’t trust the Gospels—they’re unreliable.”

These comments don’t have to be conversation stoppers. Paul Copan offers you clear, concise, and thoughtful answers to these critical remarks in this revised and expanded edition of “True for You, But Not for Me.” He shows you how with “patience, practice, prayer, and God’s grace,” you can gently respond in ways that move into more meaningful conversations with those who object to your faith.

Incisive and insightful responses to many of the most common misconceptions about Christianity and faith.

When God Goes to Starbucks: A Guide to Everyday Apologetics

What do you say when someone raises tough objections to the Christian worldview, like

Why not just look out for yourself?

Isn’t it okay to do whatever you want as long as you don’t hurt anyone?

Is it ever okay to lie?

Aren’t some people born gay?

Do people really believe miracles happen?

Aren’t the Bible’s holy wars just like Islamic Jihad?

In When God Goes to Starbucks, renowned apologetics expert Paul Copan tackles these and other vexing questions. He offers wise and relevant answers that will not only help you clarify your own beliefs but empower you to articulate those beliefs to others.

If you want sound apologetics made relevant—here it is! Copan provides clear, orthodox, practical, accessible, and necessary answers to questions that stymie seekers and galvanize skeptics against historic Christianity.

—Hank Hanegraaff, president, Christian Research Institute

I love this book. Its arguments—careful, logical, and most of all fair-minded—speak eloquently in our sound-bite world.

An excellent and comprehensive resource to help Christians contend with controversial questions about their faith. Copan writes eloquently and respectfully on social and moral themes. . . . Though each topic is approached with care, Copan does not flinch from a biblical stance and delineates each problem with exemplary thoroughness. Thoughtful readers will find great value in his approach to unpacking Christian slogans as related to truth and reality, worldviews and religious belief systems. He expertly unmasks the problematic ‘personal autonomy’ philosophy that makes ‘sweeping relativistic claims, but then tacks on absolute, inviolable standards at the end.’ Copan’s skillful approach to apologetics provides ample information on hot-topic themes.

—Publishers Weekly

Copan does an excellent job. . . . His training in philosophy is evident, as he understands the issues well, and presents cogent and reasoned positions. Highly recommended for Christians who want to engage friends and neighbors in a winsome and respectful manner.

—CBA Retailers + Resources

More than ever, tough questions from friends and neighbors naturally arise in relaxed conversations. . . . Copan offers readers solid and caring responses to these concerns. Each chapter provides a biblical stance with exemplary thoroughness and points for countering the questions people ask believers today. He expertly unmasks the problematic personal autonomy philosophy that makes sweeping relativistic claims, but then tacks on absolute, inviolable standards at the end. Copan’s skillful approach to apologetics provides ample information on hot-topic themes.

About Paul Copan

Paul Copan is the Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida. Previously, he taught at Georgia Perimeter College, Bethel Seminary, Alliance Theological Seminary, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author of several apologetics books and the president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society.